PhD Position Self-Organizing Edge Infrastructure for Next-Generation Internet

Challenge: Building self-organizing edge infrastructure that seamlessly adapts across terrestrial, cloud, and satellite networks.

Change: Creating autonomous systems that unify edge orchestration, network intelligence, and real-time measurements.

Impact: Enable a sustainable, intelligent Internet fabric that seamlessly supports 6G, distributed AI, and future global connectivity.

Job Description

The Internet is undergoing a fundamental transformation from cloud architectures to a distributed continuum spanning edge, cloud, and space. This shift demands revolutionary approaches to how we orchestrate resources, manage distributed intelligence, and measure network performance at planetary scale. Join the SPEAR (Systems and Protocols for Edge-Enabled Internet) lab, associated with the Networked Systems group, at TU Delft to pioneer self-organizing edge infrastructure that will define the next generation of Internet architecture.

This PhD position offers you the opportunity to shape the future of Internet infrastructure by developing autonomous systems that can self-organize, self-optimize, and self-heal across heterogeneous environments. You will tackle fundamental challenges at the intersection of edge computing, network orchestration, and distributed intelligence, creating systems that operate seamlessly from local edge deployments to globally spanning satellite constellations.

You will build real systems and tinker with network transport protocols, deploy them on cutting-edge infrastructure, and validate their performance through Internet-scale measurements. Your work will directly contribute to open-source projects such as Kubernetes, Oakestra, LEOScope, and more.

As part of the SPEAR lab, you will work in a vibrant research environment with members across Europe. The broader Networked Systems Group tackles all aspects of network optimization, management, and improvement, providing rich opportunities for collaboration. As a PhD, you will have access to:

• State-of-the-art 6G testbeds (indoor and outdoor) with GPU clusters and edge computing platforms
• Global Internet measurement infrastructure and satellite network access
• Opportunities to engage with Internet standardization communities (e.g. IETF)
• An expansive network of academic and industry collaborators globally

If you are passionate about building the systems that will power the next generation of the Internet, we invite you to join us in this transformative research journey.

Job Requirements

General requirements:

• Excellent track record in Master's and Bachelor's degrees from a good university
• Strong analytical and systems implementation skills
• Solid understanding of networking protocols and distributed systems
• Fluent in English (written and spoken)

Conditions of international mobility of researchers: Researchers are required to undertake trans-national mobility (i.e., move from one country to another) when taking up the appointment. At the time of selection by TU Delft, the candidate must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the recruitment. Short stays, such as holidays, are not taken into account.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Conditions of Employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1.5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Additional information: If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Dr. Nitinder Mohan, via n.mohan@tudelft.nl.